It wasn’t the smoothest two-day stretch they’ve ever had, but it was exactly what the Cotuit Kettleers needed.
Playing back-to-back games against Bourne — who was two games behind them coming in — the Kettleers posted a pair of victories to improve their record to 7-8 and go four games up on the Braves. Neither game was a work of art. A pitchers’ duel turned into an extra inning slugfest on Sunday and Cotuit had to outlast the Braves 12-11 last night, but the Kettleers don’t mind. In a division where four of five teams have had their struggles, two wins like that will go a long way.
The Kettleers got it done last night thanks to a 17-hit attack and one last surge when they needed it. Cotuit built an 11-5 lead but watched the Braves score six runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game.
But in the bottom of the seventh, Raph Rhymes (LSU) smacked a solo home run with one out to put the Kettleers back on top. Dan Slania (Notre Dame) then pitched a scoreless top of the eighth — the only Cotuit pitcher of the day to throw a scoreless inning — and the game was called for darkness after the bottom of the eighth.
Cael Brockmeyer (Cal State Bakersfield) led the Cotuit attack with four hits and an RBI, while Patrick Biondi (Michigan), Jacob May (Coastal Carolina) and Adam Nelubowich (Washington State) had three hits each. James Roberts (USC) drove in three runs.
The Kettleers ranked seventh in the league in team batting average before last night, but moved all the way to fourth with the big offensive day. Their average jumped from .255 to .268.
Cotuit improved to 7-8 while Bourne fell to 3-12.
Elsewhere
What to Watch
Tonight is the first of two nights of rivalry games, with the same teams meeting again tomorrow. The best rivalry for my money is always Chatham and Orleans. Tonight’s game is at Veterans Field in Chatham at 7 p.m. Jerad Grundy (Kentucky) takes the hill for the Firebirds. He’s pitched pretty well in two five-inning starts. Louie Lechich (San Diego) is set to make his first start for the Anglers after two pretty good relief appearances.